NHL expects decision on Houston or Austin for potential expansion by end of year

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman indicated a decision on whether Houston or Austin will host a potential expansion team could be made by year-end. (Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

New York - The NHL is considering adding a second Texas market, but no final decisions have been reached, and the league hasn't set a timeline for the decision. This was revealed during the board of governors meeting held on Tuesday, the first since the announcement in June that Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin had exclusive rights to evaluate Houston and Austin for the league's 33rd team.

Bettman stated that they expect to know by the end of the year which city the market favors, but noted that both teams still have significant work to complete. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly mentioned that the league received a comprehensive briefing from the Friedkin Group earlier in the week and plans to discuss their findings with them in the near future.

Daly emphasized that a decision on expansion is not anticipated until December, which marks the conclusion of a six-month exploration period for Friedkin. The Friedkin Group has identified several possible arena locations in Houston, though specific details were not disclosed. The expansion would require a three-quarters majority vote from the board of governors, who typically convene in December in South Florida.

Friedkin, who owns soccer teams AS Roma and Everton, did not attend the meeting. Any expansion would also need approval from the board of governors, who require a three-quarters majority to vote in favor of the new team. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stressed that there are no fixed time limits, and they are actively working through the process. A decision by December is expected, but there is no specific deadline.

In a related development, Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis was elected as the new chairman of the board of governors, succeeding Jeremy Jacobs, who had served for 19 years and had advocated for a Houston team. Jacobs, a close confidant of Bettman, is anticipated to retain influence within the league. The NHL's last expansion occurred in 2021 with the Seattle Kraken, followed by Las Vegas in 2017.